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Picryl | National Library of Medicine

Animal Species

Explore diverse animal species, pets, and wildlife conservation. Discover insights on bee decline, birds, marine life, and how to protect our natural world.

Colorful illustrated infographic featuring various endangered species, including a turtle, bird, fish, and mammal, with "Save Our Species" text.
Picryl | National Library of Medicine

ANIMAL SPECIES - All Creatures Great & Small

Explore the fascinating world of animal species, from pets like dogs and cats to wildlife like birds, insects like bees, and underwater life such as whales, dolphins, and sharks.

Earth is home to approximately 2.17 million described animal and organism species. Insects make up the largest single group at 1 million.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), almost 50,000 species are currently threatened with extinction.

Global wildlife populations have plummeted by an average of 73% between 1970 and 2020. Current species loss is estimated to be 1,000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate.

Explore our comprehensive guides on biodiversity, the fishing industry, and exemplary organisations such as the Sea Shepherds who fight to protect marine life around the world.

Animals of all kinds help to enrich our world in so many different ways. They maintain the natural balance of ecosystems, support human survival, help clean our air, water, and soils, provide vital sustenance, and even provide economic stability, not to mention the joy they bring to our everyday lives.

We must prioritise species conservation and the intricate web of our plants, animals, and insects, no matter how big or small.

Hot Topics

A school of sharks swimming together in clear blue ocean water.
Picryl | Public Domain

One Third Of Sharks Are Threatened With Extinction

Shark and ray populations have dropped 71% in 50 years, primarily driven by overfishing. Humans kill 100 million sharks annually for meat, and finning destroys tens of millions more for luxury soup. Threats also include bycatch, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. As vital apex predators maintaining ocean ecosystem balance, these vulnerable species urgently need protection from extinction.

One Third Of Sharks Are Threatened With Extinction
A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from a vibrant purple flower, with a blurred natural background.
PickPik | Royalty-Free Photo

Bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)

This phenomenon occurs when worker bees suddenly vanish from a hive, leaving the queen, brood, and the honey and pollen reserves behind. Without workers, the colony cannot survive and dies. In 2006, beekeepers reported losing 30-90% of their hives. Causes include viruses, pests, pesticides, habitat loss, and transport stress. Though CCD reports have dropped, managed bee mortality remains very high.

Bee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)
A flock of birds is flying in a V formation over a wide, open field under a clear blue sky.
Ian Sharp | CC BY-SA 2.0

The Impact Of Climate Change On Birds

Climate change affects bird populations by disrupting their natural habitats and migration schedules and by reducing food supplies. Up to 500 bird species could be driven to extinction within the next century. Seabirds and migratory birds are emerging as particularly vulnerable. Rising global temperatures are also linked to smaller average body and brain sizes in some bird species.

The Impact Of Climate Change On Birds